12 Drugstore Setting Sprays That Will Make Your Makeup Totally Transfer-Proof
I swear by these picks for long-lasting makeup.
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As a veteran beauty editor, I don’t mess around when it comes to keeping my makeup in place. That means I always prep my skin with a makeup primer and then finish off my look with a few spritzes of a makeup setting spray. Primer creates a smooth canvas for foundation, concealer, blush, and highlighter to cling to, but a setting spray is the stuff that really locks it in place for hours and hours of smudge-proof wear.
Now I totally get that setting spray can feel like another thing, but trust me when I say that they’re super easy to use (you literally point and spritz) and there are a ton of affordable options to choose from too. Enter: This curated list of the 12 best drugstore setting sprays. Each one is under $20 and performs just as well (and in some cases even better) than pricier prestige options—I know because I’ve personally tested them all. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of my favorites:
Our top picks for best drugstore setting spray:
Best Drugstore Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
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Best Drugstore Setting Spray for Oily Skin
NYX Professional Makeup Marsh Mellow Matte Setting Spray
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Keep scrolling for my full list of the best drugstore setting sprays, with testing notes from yours truly and a few tips and tricks from makeup pro Stevi Christine.
Pros
- Contains glycerin to prevent your skin from drying out
- Offers an impressive 24 hour wear time
Cons
- Consistency is a bit wet so it can be messy upon application
Milani’s Make It Last Setting Spray is the GOAT of drugstore settings sprays. I first tested it to set my makeup for a friend's wedding on a super hot and sunny day, and my makeup looked just as good at the 7 p.m. reception as it did when I first applied it at 7 a.m. that morning.
With a natural finish, it’s the Goldilocks of setting sprays—not too dewy or too matte. Plus, it’s full of glycerin and niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated and calm. Just don’t overdo it with spritzing because it has a water-like consistency and it could wind up messing with your makeup should your skin become too wet.
- Waterproof? Yes
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 2.03 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “This is my sixth bottle; I love this setting spray and I’m so happy it comes in a jumbo size!!! I have dry skin so I can’t use a matte setting spray to keep my make up on for long, this DOES make it last!!”
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
Pros
- Gives makeup up to 36 (!!) hours of wear-time
- Aerosol-style packaging distributes product cleanly and evenly
Cons
- Some testers say it has a hairspray-like smell
Suni Lee used this setting spray during the Paris Olympics, which is proof that it keeps makeup looking damn near perfect—even when you’re performing at pro athlete level—for hours on end. The aerosol bottle emits the finest mist for even coverage and a barely there feel. The brand says it keeps makeup intact for 36 hours, and even though no one should be wearing makeup for that long, I honestly believe the claim.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.76 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “This is the best setting spray for longevity that you can get! It is completely a dupe of the One Size that costs twice as much. I wore this every day in NYC in July, and my makeup at the end of the day looked exactly the same as when I put it on. The only downside is the smell (like putting hairspray on your face), but the power of this is worth it!”
Pros
- Mattifies without being too drying
Cons
- The scent, while delicious, is overpowering for some
If your skin is super oily or you’ve got pores that seem to demand the attention of everyone in the room, you’re going to love this drugstore setting spray from NYX. Not only does it keep excess shine in check without drying your skin out, it helps to visibly minimize the appearance of pores thanks to niacinamide. Testers, myself included, can’t get enough of the delicious marshmallow scent either.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 2.03 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “So first off, the smell is good. That’s one. Second, the spray pump is really good and doesn’t shoot out like small beads of water but actually mist. And third, I fell like it did make my makeup last longer, but I wish it was more dewy and natural than matte.”
Pros
- Great for drying skin types or airplane travel
- Made with clean ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Won’t give you a super long-wear finish
- Some testers said it can feel a bit tacky
Christine keeps this drugstore setting spray from Pacifica in her personal kit, saying that its ability to hydrate dry or dehydrated skin is unmatched. And while this is a makeup setting spray, it shouldn’t be what you reach for if you’re going to an outdoor wedding on a 90 degree day, as it’s more about nourishing and moisturizing courtesy of vegan collagen, vitamin C, jasmine, and white tea extract. This would be a good pick for using over light, natural makeup while traveling or for keeping with you for refreshing your skin during the day.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “I was looking for a *clean* setting spray with a soft glow, not shiny nor matte. This mist leaves a natural glow on my mid-40s skin. I have sensitive skin and have not had any reactions. I do my BB cream, blush, and set. Come back and do eyes, set. No raccoon eyes here! Scent...practically nonexistent. Added bonus for me as I’m super sensitive to smells as well.”
Pros
- Gives skin a glazed donut effect
- Can also be used before makeup as a priming spray
Cons
- Not the best option for oily skin
I tested this drugstore setting spray for the first time at a rooftop event on a steamy summer day, and at first spritz, I was obsessed. My makeup looked flawless and stayed that way for hours. But the best part is the finish, IMO. It gave my skin a perfectly dewy finish that was glowy but zero percent greasy (my pet peeve). I love keeping it in the fridge for an extra refreshing feel too.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Dewy
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “This is my favourite finishing spray ever! The spray is wide so I can cover my whole face with just 3–5 spritzes. It gives my skin a beautiful and healthy glow, even over the most mattifying foundations. But it never looks too oily, even over already dewy foundations. It’s the perfect finishing touch. If you’re looking for a dewy face spray that’s not too expensive, then this is a fantastic option!”
e.l.f. Stay All Night Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist
Pros
- A good choice for sensitive skin types
- Has antioxidant benefits to protect skin from blue light
Cons
- Several reviewers noted they had an issue with the pump
We’re supposed to use SPF every day, even if we’re not spending more than a few minutes outside, yet we spend hours in front of our screens without any protection from blue light (the damaging rays emitted from smart devices). That’s where this drugstore setting spray comes in handy. In addition to setting your makeup, it’s formulated with aloe and elderflower extract to soothe skin and mitigate the harmful effects of blue light. I like to keep a bottle on my desk for spritzes throughout the day while I’m working.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 2.7 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “I always had issues with my makeup staying with other setting sprays. This seriously locks down my makeup to last ALL DAY. It is the best setting spray I have ever used, and I’ve tried many brands (prestige and drugstore). Just buy it!!”
Pros
- Contains SPF 45
- Lightweight mist dries to a totally clear finish
Cons
- Some testers say it has a slight chemical smell
If you want a drugstore setting spray with with sunscreen benefits, this is hands down your best option. It doesn’t take the place of a regular sunscreen lotion or cream, but it’s an excellent way to reup your SPF protection throughout the day because it won’t mess with your makeup. The transparent finish is undetectable, and I find that when I mist it on around lunch, my makeup looks instantly more refreshed and stays that way until I wash my face at night.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Natural
- Size: 2 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “I love this because it gives me extra SPF over foundation and makeup so no greasy lotion to apply. I can even touch up after the pool and the makeup doesn’t slide off. Will buy a stock of this!”
Pros
- Dries down super quickly
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that the scent is a bit strong
While wearing makeup during a workout isn’t widely advised by dermatologists, I totally get that sometimes you want a little coverage during your sweat sesh…and that’s where this spray comes in. Users rave about its long-wear finish, and the fact that it doesn’t contribute to breakouts or clogged pores either. This is a good choice if you have normal to combination skin as it has a mix of hydrating ingredients and oil-controlling properties as well.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Natural-to-dewy
- Size: 3.38 oz.
Glowing customer review: “The spray is brilliant—comes out in an even circular shape with spray droplets that are uniform and evenly distributed. I can actually get my entire face covered in one pump. I have used this when exercising and my makeup has not moved even when I have sweated buckets.”
Maybelline New York Glass Spray Make-Up Finishing Spray
Pros
- Gives skin instant luminosity
- Testers say the bottle lasts forever
Cons
- Doesn’t give makeup as much wear time as other options on this list
- Bi-phase formula needs to be shaken well before spraying
Inspired by the glass-skin trend, this lightweight setting spray is a dream for anyone who loves their skin to have a super juicy, dewy look. It’s great as a finishing product, but if you have super-dry skin and want a pick-me-up throughout the day, this will help to refresh your makeup and keep skin looking plump and glowy.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Dewy
- Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “Okay, so this stuff is the bomb! It does exactly what it says ~ makes your skin look “glasslike” ~. Many of the setting sprays are also substantially more expensive than this one. I will never use another product, as this leaves my skin feeling dewy, moisturized and glowy!”
Pros
- Contains vitamin E and peptides to smooth and plump skin
Cons
- It can feel a little tacky, according to some reviewers
Christine is a fan of this reliable drugstore setting spray from Neutrogena. “The all-day claim is legit—plus, it is a quick-dry formula and made with good-for-skin ingredients, which I love,” says Christine. “I also like a natural glow, not a super shiny or super-matte finish, and that setting spray delivers just that,” adds Christine. Personally, I love how fine the mist is, so it doesn’t feel like you’re drenching your skin but more enveloping it with a protective and hydrating shield.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Dewy
- Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “This stuff is legit! And you can’t beat the size and price. It really does help keep your makeup fresh all day and blend everything together really nicely. No strong scent either. My new go-to setting spray.”
Pros
- Works like a setting powder, but is much easier to apply on-the-go
- Has instant blurring benefits
Cons
- Testers say the bottle is a bit small so you can run out of product rather quickly
This totally unique setting spray is more than meets the eye. Rather than a traditional liquid setting spray, it’s actually a setting powder that dispenses in a spray format, so it does the job of both. The result is skin that’s matte and velvety with an almost airbrushed-like effect. It’s great for oily skin types because it contains mattifying rice starch to helps to control shine and prevent your makeup from separating or creasing too.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Soft matte
- Size: 1.5 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “I bought this in half doubt. How could a setting powder be sprayed on?! It can and to put a cherry on top has a slight blurring effect. I live in the hot and humid South and this spray saves me from looking like a glistening boiled egg. It’s also easier to keep one in your bag compared to a setting powder that might spill and make a mess with a puff/brush to go with it that needs to be cleaned. My only wish is that they offer this in a bigger oz. because one can only lasted two weeks. I did use it generously but still.”
Pros
- Helps temporarily minimize the look of large pores and uneven texture
- Micro fine mister makes application super easy
Cons
- Has a slight fruity scent that tends to linger
If you want your makeup to have a matte finish but your skin to still feel nice and hydrated, this is a great option. It’s infused with soft-blurring powders to sop up excess oil and soften the look of uneven texture, but there’s also a hydrating component thanks to rose, chamomile, and marine extracts. I swear any time I use this spray, my skin looks legit filtered.
- Waterproof? No
- Finish: Soft matte
- Size: 3.72 fl. oz.
Glowing customer review: “I LOVE this spray. It leaves a beautiful finish and sets my makeup really well. The skin feels hydrated and glowing and looking like a rose petal. Glad I stumbled upon this!”
What are the best drugstore setting sprays?
The best drugstore setting sprays are the ones on this list (duh). Each one of these picks has a different purpose though, so be sure to read through all the details to find out which formula is best for your skin type and concerns. In general through, the best drugstore setting sprays are under $20 dollars and help prevent your makeup from smudging, fading, transferring, or smearing.
Which makeup setting spray is best?
Our choice for best overall setting spray is Milani Make It Last Original Natural Finish Setting Spray. It gives makeup an impressive 24 hour wear time and has a natural finish, so any skin type can use it. It also contains skincare ingredients, like glycerin and niacinamide, to improve skin’s hydration levels.
Which is better mist or setting spray?
When it comes to face mists and setting sprays, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. That said, Christine prefers setting sprays over mists. “Personally, I don’t love face mists unless I need to cool down or if it’s for a photo shoot, creating a wet look.” Plus, their uses are quite different. Specially formulated makeup setting sprays will ensure that your makeup stays in place, while a face mist is more for hydration and refreshing your makeup rather than preventing it from smudging.
Does setting spray really matter?
According to Christine, yes, setting spray really does matter. “I see a huge difference when I use a setting spray on myself as well as on my clients,” she says. “It’s an important final step that really ensures, fresh-looking makeup that lasts long.”
How to choose the best drugstore setting spray:
When it comes to choosing a makeup setting spray from the drugstore, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, you should know what kind of finish you want because that can easily narrow down your search. Whether you want a dewy, matte, or natural finish will help to inform which spray will be the right one for you. Additionally, you should be considering your skin type. If you have dry skin, you’ll want something hydrating and moisture-boosting while oil-prone complexions will benefit from something mattifying and grease-absorbing. Christine says that ingredients are important too. She recommends staying away from formulas that have alcohol because they can be overly drying,
Meet the expert:
- Stevi Christine is a brow expert, celebrity makeup artist, and founder of Naturally By, a beauty boutique located in Beverly Hills, CA.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lisa DeSantis is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with more than 10 years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories that range from the best bronzer sticks to contour kit reviews. She’s an authority in all makeup categories but an expert when it comes to setting sprays. She regularly tests and analyzes setting sprays efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands.
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Health, Real Simple, Cosmopolitan, Motherly, Byrdie and more. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness and beyond.
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